London, Episode II: The Down Low

london, 2009.04.05
Originally uploaded by approximately_yes

THE PROBLEM WITH LONDON IS, outside of being magnificent, it's so gigantic that you can feel it swallowing you. The city laughs at you, because it finds it hilarious that there is so much within it that you'll never get to see. And also too, London leaves one tuckered out (I'd say the equivalent feeling of a dog's chew toy) so you are left with zero energy to share your adventures.

We landed (alright, we were on a bus) in London around 1030 yesterday morning, once again blessed with beautiful weather. I took off at the Notting Hill Gate stop. First order of business was cappuccino, and I entered the first Non-Starbucks establishment I saw (love Starbucks, but I am boycotting them while I'm here). A quiet, cute café with a super cheesy sign out front. Perfect. When we walked in, I realized that the place was a tribute to Princess Di, and the walls were plastered with her image. I bought a terrible 0.90p cappuccino (you really do get what you pay for) and was off to wander the beautiful neighborhoods of Notting Hill.

I immediately loved this area. First, it is 18 million times cuter and quieter than touristy Central London. The people walking down the streets actually look like LOCALS! And there is character abound: colorful houses, buildings, and shops.

The only plan for Notting Hill was to get lost in it, which was a great idea since we eventually ended up at the Portobello Market. What a FANTASTIC thing to stumble upon!! Portobello is supposedly one of the top tourist attractions in London. I'd heard of it, but wow. Literally, one of the neatest things I've experienced. The shops had their goods on the sidewalks, hoards of antiques, jewelry, clothing, and knick knacks. There were so many goods I wish I could have bought. There was SO much. It is truly a traveler's woe, to see all of those things and know you cannot fit them in a suitcase. Nevertheless, I bought a beautiful dress.

More wandering, and we eventually found a Tube station. I was overcome with a nervous excitement, as I'd never ridden on the London Underground, though I'd heard only excellent things. A mere £5.40 gets you around at lightning speed for an entire day — and the system is fool-proof: color-coded, well organized and slick. Everything is glorious and self-explanatory. To sweeten the deal, the Underground system uses a beautiful font throughout, and displays great artwork around the stations. You really, really can't go wrong.



I didn't do too much in the evening outside of eating a wonderful lunch at the Victoria & Albert museum before perusing the works, and a bit of exploring the South Bank. Surprisingly my feet still managed to wear out.

I believe I am going again on Wednesday, for more exploring and to see Wicked in the evening. On Thursday I am jumping the train + ferry (we decided on the scenic route) to Ireland for Easter.

All is calm here — and hopefully, all is well with all you lovelies and mates across the ocean!

xo
jc